Daniel R. Mahoney Conservancy to close for parking lot project

By Brandi Makuski

PLOVER — The Daniel R. Mahoney Conservancy will be closed to the public this week as crews begin work on a new driveway and parking lot entrance off County Hwy. R.

The closure began at 7 a.m. Monday and is expected to remain in place through Friday. Village officials said the conservancy could reopen sooner if construction wraps up ahead of schedule.

Public Works Manager Scott Klemm said village crews will install the road base for the new driveway and parking area before American Asphalt returns later this summer to pave the site.

The project is being paid for through proceeds from an easement agreement with Wisconsin Public Service tied to upgrades to a natural gas line that crosses the conservancy.

The new parking area is part of a series of improvements at the property. Earlier this spring, the village planted 62 Black Hills spruce trees along the north and south edges of the future parking lot.

The conservancy was named in 2022 for former Village Administrator Dan Mahoney, who retired at that time after more than two decades with the village. Before his retirement, Mahoney played a key role in conservation and restoration efforts involving the Little Plover River watershed and helped bring together environmental groups, businesses and government agencies on several projects.

Village trustees renamed the former Little Plover River Wetlands Area in his honor shortly before he left office.

The roughly 140-acre conservancy on Plover’s east side features trails, wildlife habitat and natural areas that are popular with hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Village officials are asking residents to stay out of the conservancy while construction is underway.